Western Kansas world. [volume] (WaKeeney, Kan.) 1885-current, 1887-04-16
THE FORESTRY LAW.

first law having for its object the propa-
CATION of timber to be given away by a
state In order to facilitate the foresting
of its territory, this Kansas Forestry law
becomes matter of pride to Kansans, and
especially to those OF the treeless portions
of their state. We are enabled to make
this early publication of the exact text OF
this law through the kindness of Messrs.
Geo. w. Crane & Co., of Topeka, who
have sent to us copy of the late session
laws, which they have printed in PAM
phlet form:
HOUSE BILL NO. 21S.
First published March 10, 1897.
AN ACT
To establish the Office of commissioner OF
forestry, prescribing the power and
duties thereof, and to encourage the
planting and growing of forest trees In
the state of Kansas, and making ap-
preparations therefor.
Be ii enacted by tile legislature Of the state
at Kansas:
SECTION 1. Within twenty days after
the taking effect of this act, the governor
shall appoint some person who has a
practical knowledge of growing forest
trees, who shall be known as the COM
missioner of forestry of the state of
Kansas, who shall hold his Office for the
term of two years.
Sec. 2. It shall be the duty of the
commissioner of forestry, provided for in
this act, to procure donation Of two
suitable tracts of land of not less than one
hundred and sixty acres each, at points
not to exceed three miles from a station
on the Union Pacific railway, Kansas
division, and on the Atchison, Topeka &
Santa Fe railway, respectively. These
tracts shall be donated to the state of
Kansas for the purposes named in this
act, to be and to remain the property of
the state, in the event of the continuation
of these forestry stations by the state for
the period of ten years from the date OF
their establishment otherwise the title of
said tract or tracts to revert to the donor
or donors. The commissioner of forestry
shall establish an experimental forest
station upon each of said tracts of land,
the object of which shall be the promo
ton of the art of forestry, and where he
shall plant seeds and cuttings of various
kinds of forest trees, especially such as
are likely to thrive in that portion of
Kansas known as the plains, the seedlings
or trees growing Fl ON which he shall is
sue, free of charge, at each station, to any
resident of the state of Kansas who may
apply for the same, in such quantities
and under such restrictions as may in the
Judgment of said commissioner be ad-
visable.
SEC. 3. The commissioner of forestry,
by himself or suitable employee, shall
give such information as may be in his
possession, 10y letter, circular or other
wise, upon the subject of forest trees, and
shall give all persons visiting these ex-
detrimental stations the benefit of his
experience and that of his predecessors.
SEC. 4. Said commissioner of forestry
shall annually make a report to the
governor, giving detailed account of his
proceedings under this act, embodying a
full statement of all expenditures in his
Office, including the purchase of all the
stock, trees, seeds, plants and cuttings,
as well as expenditures for labor, help,
printing, travelling and any other eX-
penses properly SppertaiDing to his
Office. He shall also embody in such
report a detailed account of his expert
ments in tree growing, noting the failures
as well as the cause of success to the end
that reliable information may be dissem-
mated. He may also make such recon-
mendations as may be suggested by his
experience.
Sec. g. 1t shall be the duty of the
commissioner of forestry, when requested
by petition of twenty-five persons in any
county In the state, to 60 into such
county and hold one or more meetings
therein for the dissemination of knowl
edge upon the subject of forestry: Pro
Uidcd, hozve1'er, That such meetings shall
be no expense to the state
SEC. 6. Before entering upon the
duties of his Office the commissioner of
forestry shall take and subscribe the
usual oath of Office, and enter into bond
to the state Of Kansas, to be approved by
the executive council, in the sum OF five
thousand dollars, for the faithful per-
Torrance of the duties of his Office.
Sec. z. For the purpose of carrying
into effect the provisions of this act,
there is hereby appropriated out of any
money In the state treasury not otherwise
appropriated, for the unexpired fiscal
year ending June thirtieth, eighteen
hundred and eighty-seven, for salary of
said commissioner, the sum of one hun
dred dollars per month; for the purchase
of trees, plants, seeds and cuttings, or SO
much thereof as may be necessary, the
sum of three hundred and fifty dollars;
for labor, help, freight, postage and other
necessary incidental expenses, the sum
of fifteen hundred dollars. For the fiscal
year ending June thirtieth, eighteen hun
died and eighty-eig for salary of COM
missioner, twelve hundred dollars; for the
purchaSe of trees Dlants seeds and cTt-
tings, or SO much thereof as may be
necessary, the sum of one thousand dol
lars; for labor, help, freight, postage and
other incidental expenses, the sum of five
thousand dollars; for travelling expenses
of said commissioner, or SO much thereof
as may he necessary, the sum of three
hundred dollars. For the fiscal year
ending June thirtieth, eighteen hundred
and eighty-nine, for salary of commits
sioner, twelve hundred dollars; for the
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